So what's the better deal (honestly)?

You guy's "Paint" speakers???? Yuck!

 I only build with real woods. Plus, "When needed"- carbon fiber/resin.  Epoxy finishes with 1/4" clear over the wood. Never paint!
 Building a set now with "Mappa Burl" and "Mahogany". Also with "Flame/curly maple", accents. Next set will be "Bloodwood", "Purple Heart" with Carbon Fiber.

Your right, The speaker manufacturers "should" build their speakers with a real "Base" as they used to. But that would cost them money....Hmm.
   I buy full, "live", "Slabs" of Maple, Walnut and etc. to make my speaker bases. And they do not need special "Feet", "Outriggers" or "Whatcha-Ma'call'it's", To sound decent!